Timing…its all about timing.
I’m continuing my thoughts from some ladies who spoke on Mother’s Day:
Lady #3 had to learn timing…God’s timing…always is best. His timing rules. I mean, let’s face it, you are promised a child and through the offspring you and your husband would father a nation, one that would spring up the likes of which you could never imagine.
So you wait. And you wait. You got tired of waiting so you decided to take matters into your own hands. You give Hagar, your servant, to your husband. A son is born whom you resent. His name is Ishmael. An innumerable nation is the result, but he is not the chosen one. This nation, which was to become the Arab nation, would become and always would be a thorn in the side of the truly chosen nation.
You wait so long you even laugh at God because you overhear angels telling your husband you will become parents. At the age of 100 (Abraham) and 89 (you) Isaac is born. Your firstborn. The promise made to Abraham years ago (see Genesis 12) is now on its way to fulfillment. Isaac would marry Rebekah and they would have two sons-Jacob and Esau. Jacob and Esau would go their separate ways with Jacob receiving the blessing from Isaac intended (human viewpoint) for Esau. Jacob would marry Leah and Rachel and father 12 sons (12 tribes of Israel) and it is off to the races.
Did Sarai (Sarah) know what it all meant? No. Did she always trust? (Can you say laughing at God and Ishmael?) Again, no. But it wasn’t her timing that was important; it was God’s. When it was physically impossible to have children, God showed her who was in charge. He always has perfect timing. The heartache (and headache) caused by Sarah’s timing is proof positive that God always knows best.
Trust Him. Trust His timing. Romans 8:28-29 is still true.
Being a “doer”, waiting is one of the more difficult things I am challenged by. Combine this with a bit of impulsivity and you have the makings for disaster. Being on my own since 18 (moved out a couple days after my 18th birthday), I relied heavily on self before becoming a Christ-follower. But the change wasn’t overnight. I still struggle with pushing forward ahead of God, which also usually means in a direction God probably is not fully intending. I, as well as those close to me, have gotten bumps and bruises along the way. I am learning! I think that largely comes from experiencing God and seeing that the outcome of waiting and trusting in Him is always better than trying to navigate life ahead of the wave.
You state something that could get lost in the shuffle Ryan. “I, as well as those close to me, have gotten bumps and bruises along the way.” We would do well to realize that moving ahead on our own never is isolated. We will always affect others in some way. Great insight my friend.
God’s timing is everything, Bill. It is sometimes hard for us to trust in the process, but God shows us again and again that it’s the only way to go.
Blessings!
What is sad is that you would think we would know that!
It always amazes me how incredibly patient God is with us, no one on earth could love us like He does. We know in our heart His timing is perfect, we know His ways are the best, and yet sometimes we cannot stop ourselves from interfering. God still makes the plan the work, still teaches us, and He never stops loving us. We serve an amazing Father. May all the glory and praise be His alone.
I, for one, am totally grateful for His patience and love. I would be dead meat without it. 🙂
My dear Godly mother often told me, “Cheryl, God has His own timetable.” For many years, my husband and I struggled with infertility, and the barren women in the Bible became such heroes to me. After 12.5 years of marriage, God sent us the most precious son, and looking back now, I can see so many reasons why God waited to give us the desire of our hearts. His timing is always best, and even though that is hard to see in the waiting room, it is proven to us later. God bless you, Pastor Bill!
Even though Jo and I never struggled with infertility, I feel for those who do. I know it is sometimes a very lonely road they walk. I’m glad God blessed you with Zach and that you can now look back and see God’s timing and purpose. You have a message to share. Thanks for the kind words. Oh…review is coming soon.